The shorter effective range of the 5.56mm cartridge compared to the 7.62mm was less of a factor due to the shorter ranges encountered in jungle combat, where the rifle is primarily used.[2] Its performance during subsequent combat operations proved the effectiveness of the weapon system, and it was adopted as the primary range sniper rifle (for ranges of up to 600 m) of the Philippine Marine Scout Snipers.

Design

Different generation models of MSSR on display. From top to bottom: Gen 5 (prototype), Gen 4, Gen 3.

The system was developed in-house under the direction of then Col. Jonathan Martir, PN (M) (GSC), N-6.[2]

The first generation MSSR was deployed in 1996 as an M16A1 with a Tasco variable 3-9 x 40mm rubber-coated scope on a DPMS Tri-mount atop the carry handle. This required a Delta HBAR cheek piece on the stock to align the operator's eye with the elevated scope position. The standard handguards were replaced with a free-floating aluminum forearm, and a Harris folding bipod was attached to the underside of the forearm. The standard M16A1 barrel was replaced with a free-floated 24" (68cm) DPMS Heavy Stainless Steel Ultra Match barrel with a 1 in 8.5" right-hand twist, with an M16A1 front sight base. A J&P match trigger was installed.

The second generation MSSR was created by removing the forward portion of the carry handle and attaching the Tri-mount directly to the top of the upper receiver. The Tasco scope and scope rings were attached to the Tri-mount, which provided a lower scope-to-bore height. The Delta HBAR cheek piece was no longer required and was removed. The M16A1 front sight base was removed and replaced with a DPMS gas block. The barrel was changed to a DPMS Ultra Match barrel with a 1 in 8" RH twist, and the M16A1 stock and pistol grip were replaced with A2 versions.

The third generation rifle retained the second generation features, but replaced the Tasco scope with a Bushnell variable 3-9 x 40mm scope with a Mil-dot reticle, mounted with three scope rings on the receiver-mounted Tri-mount. For the Philippine Marine Corps, barrel length remained the same at 24" with the 1 in 8" DPMS Ultra Match Barrel.[3] A version with a 20" barrel was made available for the Philippine NavyNaval Special Warfare Group (NSWG).[3]

Variants

Night Fighting Weapon System

Created in late 2004, the Night Fighting Weapon System (NFWS) was made for the purpose of fighting in forested areas in low-light conditions. Night vision and regular daytime scopes can be mounted on the rifle via a Picatinny rail on top of the upper receiver. The rifle is equipped with an integral sound suppressor fitted on a bull barrel (1 inch in diameter) with a 1 in 9" twist.[3]

DMR/SPR

A designated marksman rifle/special purpose rifle (DMR/SPR) variant intended to "meet the requirement for a 5.56mm rifle to engage targets up to 800 meters with optics." This rifle would replace the older M14s currently in use as designated marksmen rifles in the Philippine Army. The new rifle will feature an 18" free-floating bull barrel with a 1 in 7" twist, a standard A2 flash suppressor, a flattop upper receiver with a Picatinny rail, provisions for a bipod and semi and select fire.[7] The new variant, designated the "Government Arsenal SPR/DMR" was slated to go into service in 2015, with the production of the initial batch of rifles.

Squad Designated Marksman Rifle on display at the Government Arsenal booth at the 23rd AFAD gun show.

Another variant is a carbine-sized model featuring a railed upper receiver, a mid-length gas system, a Daniel Defense 16-inch cold-hammer forged barrel, a Daniel Defense free-floating railed handguard, a 4x32 Trijicon Advanced Combat Optic, a Magpul STR buttstock, a Hogue grip containing a cleaning kit and a cerakote finish.[8] Forty (40) units of this more compact squad designated marksman rifle variant were turned over to selected AFP Special Operations Forces (SOF) and the Scout Rangers for testing and evaluation.[9]

Deployment

The MSSR is the main weapon of choice for the Philippine Marine Scout Snipers alongside the newer Remington 700P Intermediate Range Day-Night Scout Sniper Rifle and the Barrett M95 Heavy Sniper/Anti-Matériel Rifle.[3] Sniper teams usually work in pairs with the operator accompanied by a spotter, usually equipped with an M16A2 rifle with an M203 grenade launcher.[10] Continued development of the rifle ensures its use with the Philippine Marines well into the 21st century.

If funding permits, the MSSRs will be eventually replaced in Scout Sniper service by 7.62mm bolt-action sniper rifles. The existing 5.56 MSSRs will then be issued to designated marksmen in line Marine units.[11]

A Marine from the Philippine Marine Corps fires the MSSR during marksmanship training in the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training 2007 exercises.